Scotland's Former First Minister Sturgeon Protests Her Arrest Over SNP Finances Investigation

Police Scotland have released a statement confirming they have arrested a woman in connection with their investigation into the SNP. Scotland's former first minister Nicola Sturgeon has been detained investigation continues into the Scottish National Party's finances.

The statement said: "A 52-year-old woman has today, Sunday, 11 June, 2023, been arrested as a suspect in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party. The woman is in custody and is being questioned by Police Scotland detectives. A report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. The matter is active for the purposes of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 and the public are therefore advised to exercise caution if discussing it on social media. As the investigation is ongoing we are unable to comment further."

A spokesperson for Sturgeon also issued a statement on the arrest.

They said: "Nicola Sturgeon has today, Sunday 11 June, by arrangement with Police Scotland, attended an interview where she was to be arrested and questioned in relation to Operation Branchform.

"Nicola has consistently said she would co-operate with the investigation if asked and continues to do so."

Sturgeon's husband, the party's former chief executive Peter Murrell, was previously arrested as part of the probe along with ex-treasurer Colin Beattie.

Both men were subsequently released without charge pending further inquiries.

An SNP spokesperson said: "These issues are subject to a live police investigation.

"The SNP have been cooperating fully with this investigation and will continue to do so however it is not appropriate to publicly address any issues while that investigation is ongoing."

Sturgeon has since been released as the investigation continues.

"To find myself in the situation I did when I am certain I have committed no offence is both a shock and deeply distressing," the former first minister said. "I know that this ongoing investigation is difficult for people, and I am grateful that so many continue to show faith in me and appreciate that I would never do anything to harm either the SNP or the country. Obviously, given the nature of this process, I cannot go into detail. However, I do wish to say this, and to do so in the strongest possible terms. Innocence is not just a presumption I am entitled to in law. I know beyond doubt that I am in fact innocent of any wrongdoing. To the many people who have sent messages of support over these past difficult weeks - including since [the] news broke - thank you for your kindness. Thank you also to my close circle of family and friends who are giving me much-needed strength at this time. Finally, while I will take a day or two to process this latest development, I intend to be back in parliament soon where I will continue to represent my Glasgow Southside constituents to the very best of my ability."

Upon her release, a Police Scotland statement said: "A 52-year-old woman who was arrested [on] Sunday 11 June 2023, as a suspect in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party, has been released without charge pending further investigation. The woman was questioned by Police Scotland detectives after she was arrested at 10.09am. She was released from custody at 5.24pm. A report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service."

In February 2023, Sturgeon resigned as Scotland's First Minister. Humza Yousaf won the SNP's leadership race to succeed her.